Prepare for trash overhaul

Company has been collecting trash in Summit County for 12 years

Allied Waste first began to operate in Summit County 12 years ago, when it was known as BFI and raised ire from some residents for distributing large blue bins that replaced the mismatched any-size, any-type trash receptacles.

Now that the company has signed its third contract with the Summit County Courthouse, they want to solidify the bond they have with the government, and more importantly, the people in the county.

"We have drivers that every day run up to people's doors and pull the trash can out to the street and then bring it back," said Allied Waste Operations Manager Gordon Brokaw. "The drivers see a need and go above and beyond, but people don't tend to hear those stories."

Brokaw said, now that they have been asked by Summit County to provide 65-gallon trash cans and 95-gallon recycling cans as part of their new six-year contract, they are hoping to reconnect with the community and make sure the change goes as seamlessly as possible.

According to General Manager Reece DeMille, Allied Waste built into their new contract sponsorships of various local events. In the past Allied has worked with the Park Silly Market, Habitat for Humanity and provided scholarships for local high school students.

"We are committed to this community and want to be here for the long haul," DeMille said.

Beginning on July 1, residents will have their trash picked up once a week in a 65-gallon container and recycling will be picked up in a 95-gallon container every other week.

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"This isn't a new program," DeMille said. "We have similar systems in place in other communities and while it is a change, it works well. It will also help extend the life of Summit County's landfill, which was important to the County Council and Manager."

DeMille and Brokaw said they understand some residents will need extra space for their trash under the new system and the company will provide additional recycling or trash cans for a fee.

Residents who currently have a 95-gallon trash can and a 65-gallon recycling can will simply switch what they use their cans for. Residents who only have one of the necessary bins will receive a new one soon.

"One day it will just be on their driveway along with a flyer explaining the new system and what can and cannot be recycled," Brokaw said. "They don't need to worry about one can going away and then receiving new ones."

One major item that residents will not be able to put into their recycling bin is glass because Summit County would have to pay a substantial amount in order to accommodate it, according to DeMille.

"Glass requires a different service, a different pick up, and it is hard to find someone to buy the recycled glass," DeMille said. "Residents are going to have to take responsibility for what they put into their recycling bins. For example, pizza boxes can't be recycled and people will have to be educated on what isn't OK."

He added that the Allied recycling center does have a system in place to remove traces of garbage from the recycling.

Brokaw said he expects residents will get used to the new system even if it takes some time.

"Some people will jump on board immediately and begin putting their empty milk jugs somewhere other than the trash can," he said. "Others may take a few weeks to catch on and make recycling a habit, but it will after a while."

Allied Waste is still finalizing the new routes and pickup days. Residents can ask questions about the new trash system and find out more information at Summit County's open house Monday and Tuesday night. For more information about the open houses visit www.summitcounty.org .